The Challenge and Reward of Harlequin Glorybower

Harlequin glorybower in mid-August

Harlequin Glorybower (Clerodendron trichotomum) is a rambling 15 foot tall shrub, and can be easily shaped into a multi-stemmed 10-12  foot small tree. Glorybower shines in the late summer and early fall landscape. Its sweetly scented, very showy flowers attract the attention of gardeners as well as hummingbirds and butterflies.

Glorybower reaches its northern- most hardiness limit here in the Southern Appalachian region (USDA zones 6-b and 7). Some winters do not treat glorybower kindly. Significant reconstruction is needed. Moderate pruning in late winter repairs most ills with fast growing glorybower looking great by summer.

Flowers are arranged in wide 6 – 9 inch clusters, comprised of individual white 1 ½ inch blooms and are borne on current season’s wood. Next up in mid-September are the metallic looking topaz colored fruits with beet red calyxes which give  quite a show.

Foliage texture is bold with broad 4 to 9 inch long dark green leaves providing cooling shade to a nearby deck or patio. Its pale yellow autumnal leaf color contributes little. Glorybower is relatively disease and insect free.

Glorybower grows in a moist well-drained average soil and in full to partial (minimum 6- hours) sunlight. A 2-year old established tree is only moderately drought tolerance and requires irrigation during long dry spells.

This under-utilized native of Japan and China is sold principally by internet nursery vendors.

Both comments and pings are currently closed.

2 Responses to “The Challenge and Reward of Harlequin Glorybower”

  1. Amy says:

    I have a two year old Harlequin glorybower which was doing quite well this year. Except about a month ago I noticed the lower leaves turning yellow around the edges, and now the flower are mostly gone leaving berrys very sparsly over the tree.
    The spot I have it growing used to have an evergreen tree in it, and I am wondering if any leftover stump underground would cause a problem like this. Should I wait until spring and give it iron? Help me. I love this tree, and see it needs something done to it.
    thank you,
    Amy

    • Hugh says:

      I’d wait and see what happens next spring. Old stump may be tying up available nitrogen to glorybower. Glorybower is tough plant and will likely bud out nnext spring. Alternative to applying iron, you may want to feed with Miracle-Gro or Miracid, once in March, again in May and July. Follow package directions. Good luck…Hugh